Tour de France Femmes 2027 UK Grand Départ

The Tour de France Femmes 2027 UK start will make history. For the first time, the women’s Tour de France will begin in the United Kingdom. The race will open with three UK stages from 30 July to 1 August 2027. It will start in Leeds and finish in London before moving to France. As a result, British fans will see the world’s best female riders race on home roads. This Grand Départ also marks a major step forward for women’s cycling worldwide.

Quick Facts: Tour de France Femmes 2027 UK Start

• First-ever UK Grand Départ for the women’s Tour de France
• UK stages run 30 July – 1 August 2027
• Host cities: Leeds → Manchester → Sheffield → London
• Three full stages on UK roads
• Full route maps released in 2026

What Is the Tour de France Femmes?

The Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift is the top stage race in women’s professional road cycling. It returned in 2022 and now sits at the highest level of the UCI Women’s WorldTour.

Since its return, the race has grown fast. It attracts the strongest teams, global TV coverage, and rising fan interest. Therefore, the 2027 edition represents another leap forward as the Grand Départ leaves France for the first time.

Confirmed: UK Grand Départ in 2027

Race organisers have confirmed that the Tour de France Femmes 2027 will start in the United Kingdom. This is the first UK Grand Départ for the women’s race. In addition, the men’s Tour will also start in Britain in the same year. This creates a nationwide celebration of cycling.

The race will run three full stages in the UK. After that, the peloton will transfer to France to complete the Tour. This model follows the overseas starts used by the men’s Tour. Therefore, it places the women’s race on equal international footing.

Tour de France Femmes 2027 UK Stages

Stage 1: Leeds to Manchester

Stage 1 starts in Leeds, a city with strong cycling culture. The route heads west across the Pennines toward Manchester.

The terrain here is rolling and hilly. Because of this, early breakaways are likely. Meanwhile, Manchester offers a high-profile city finish and major media exposure.

Stage 2: Manchester to Sheffield

Stage 2 runs from Manchester to Sheffield. The route is expected to pass through the Peak District.

This region features long climbs and open moorland roads. Therefore, climbers and general classification riders should gain an early advantage. As a result, this stage may shape the overall race.

Stage 3: London Finale Stage

Stage 3 finishes in London. It will feature a showcase city route designed for spectators and television coverage.

Exact circuit details are still to come. However, a London finish guarantees global visibility before the race continues in France.

When Will Full Route Maps Be Released?

Start and finish cities are confirmed. However, exact road routes, distances, and elevation profiles are not yet public. Organisers plan to release full technical route guides in 2026.

These guides will include:

• Complete road maps
• Stage distances
• Elevation gain and climb categories
• Sprint zones
• Official timetables

Until then, terrain expectations come from known regional geography.

Why the UK Was Chosen

The United Kingdom has a strong history of hosting major cycling events. It has delivered successful Tour de France starts and World Championships. It also offers strong transport links and huge spectator support.

At the same time, women’s cycling continues to grow fast. Therefore, bringing the Grand Départ to Britain helps the sport reach new audiences. It also strengthens global visibility for female athletes.

Impact on Women’s Cycling

The UK Grand Départ will:

• Increase global broadcast audiences
• Inspire more young women to ride
• Attract new sponsorship
• Strengthen equality in elite cycling

As a result, women’s professional cycling gains stronger long-term growth.

Host City Spotlight

Leeds

Leeds has strong cycling infrastructure and community support. It offers a symbolic northern start for the race.

Manchester

Manchester is home to national cycling facilities. It also provides major media reach.

Sheffield

Sheffield sits beside the Peak District. It delivers classic road-racing terrain and great spectator access.

London

London offers global exposure and iconic backdrops. Therefore, it provides a perfect finale for the UK stages.

Tourism and Economic Impact

Hosting a Tour de France Femmes Grand Départ brings:

• International visitors
• Hotel and hospitality demand
• Worldwide media exposure
• Long-term cycling participation

Consequently, host regions benefit long after the race ends.

What Is Confirmed vs Pending

Confirmed

• Tour de France Femmes 2027 UK Grand Départ
• UK stages run 30 July – 1 August 2027
• Start city: Leeds
• Stage host cities: Manchester and Sheffield
• Final UK stage: London
• Transfer to France for remaining stages

Pending Release

• Exact road routes
• Stage distances
• Elevation profiles
• Climb classifications
• Official start times

Why This Grand Départ Matters

The Tour de France Femmes 2027 UK start marks a defining moment in women’s cycling. It places elite female riders on one of the world’s biggest sporting stages. It also gives British fans front-row access to top-level racing. Above all, it confirms that women’s cycling now holds equal global status.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will the Tour de France Femmes start in the UK in 2027?

Yes. The Tour de France Femmes 2027 will begin in the United Kingdom for the first time in race history.

What is the Tour de France Femmes 2027 UK start date?

The UK stages run from 30 July to 1 August 2027.

Which cities will host the UK stages?

The confirmed host cities are Leeds, Manchester, Sheffield, and London.

Have the exact stage routes been released?

No. Start and finish cities are confirmed. Full road routes and elevation profiles will be released in 2026.

Why is the UK hosting the women’s Grand Départ?

The UK was chosen for its cycling culture, event-hosting record, and growing demand for women’s racing.